The monologues in Naga society are characteristically reactive, competitive, defensive and self-righteous
One reason why Nagas find themselves in a constant state of stalemate is because of the manner in which the ‘monologue’ has become so embedded into our daily life. Indeed the healthy and dynamic practice of dialogue which was central to the Naga traditional way of conducting human affairs has, over time, become a dialogue between monologues.
The monologues have had the effect of only widening the divides, while at the same reducing possibilities of understanding because people are no longer listening to each other’s point of view. Consequently, since other voices are tuned out because no one listens to each other, each monologue only hears its own voice. This means that no one is able to share ideas, understand or appreciate each other and find common ground. Is this not the reality of today’s time?
If only Nagas could respond outside the insular definitions of clan, tribe, religion, factions, organizations and other categorizations, and sincerely listen deeply to one another, perhaps a fluid and meaningful exchange could take place. Instead, the normative practice of monologue effectively prevents any process that resembles genuine dialogue.
The culture of monologue represents a position rather than being reflective as it feeds into the cycle of power where each voice asserts itself to drown other voices. The monologues in Naga society are characteristically reactive, competitive, defensive and self-righteous. This practice of monologues is eating away at the root of our common understanding, as it undermines the ethos of democratic participation, inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence.
The culture of monologue is prevalent in all spheres of Naga activity, and has been institutionalized in most forms of human organization throughout Naga culture. Because Nagas have stopped dialoguing with each other, the mind-numbing monotone and bankruptcy of ideas and staleness of thoughts are setting into the psyche and blunting the creative realization of what humans can achieve in agreement with each other and the natural world. No wonder one finds that we are constantly repeating ourselves and actually have little or nothing new to say or do anymore.
The need to shift from a monologue to a dialogue is imperative. This requires a dialogue which brings to public expression an understanding, which embraces the understanding and acceptance of differences. The existing monologue must be confronted and transcended so that the destiny of a people’s existence focuses on a shared future with purpose and hope.
Nagas need to break out of this monologue with a renewed sense of purpose in order for our culture to reclaim its vibrancy. While building on the legacy of what the elders have handed down to the present generation, the new generation needs to reexamine this rich legacy for its relevancy and application in today’s context with the future in mind.
Transitioning away from the practice of this monologue asks for a new consciousness and a way interacting, relating which is reflective, inclusive and participatory to ensure holistic new ways of being emerge for conducting Naga affairs. We are constantly being invited to begin dialoguing with each other. Nagas, as a people, have the ability to search deeply within themselves, to restore and renew our lives as a dynamic and creative political entity.
